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City of Charlotte commemorates 250th anniversary of its founding with yearlong celebration, CLT250, presented by Atrium Health

Adam Rhew

arhew@charlottecentercity.org

6/27/2018

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CLT250 festivities kick off July 3, culminate May 2019 with signature festival event

Events designed to recognize history and unify community for future of opportunity

​CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 19, 2018) – The City of Charlotte turns 250 this year, and a yearlong, citywide celebration called CLT250 invites residents to come together through events, gatherings and initiatives to recognize the past, understand the present and imagine a unified future. The festivities begin this summer on July 3 at Memorial Stadium and culminate in May 2019 with a vibrant music, art, food and innovation festival.

"CLT250 is a way for all members of our community, as well as visitors, to share in and commemorate the things that make this city great," said Gene Woods, honorary chair of CLT250 and president and CEO of Atrium Health, which is the initiative's presenting sponsor. "Beginning July 3 and throughout the next year, we invite everyone to celebrate 250 years of our city's independence, ingenuity, determination, diversity, collaboration, compassion and resiliency. But even greater than that, CLT250 calls us to imagine the next 250 years and the vibrant and dynamic future in front of all who call Charlotte home."

The July 3 Star Spangled Spectacular presented by Regions, held at Memorial Stadium, sets the stage for the debut event of CLT250. The holiday's traditional fireworks, food and entertainment will be complemented by a special historical tribute including a patriotic celebration of our city's pioneers and founders.

Four signature CLT250 events throughout the year will bring residents together for camaraderie and dialogue (National Night Out, Aug. 7, 2018), education on Charlotte's official anniversary (Charlotte's Anniversary, Dec. 3, 2018), tradition (Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 22, 2018) and celebration with the special re-launch of Charlotte Shout, a festival of music, art, food and innovation (May 5-12, 2019).

Throughout the year, communities are encouraged to take part in their own CLT250 celebrations in their neighborhoods, public spaces and parks, colleges and universities, houses of worship and workplaces. Longtime favorite Charlotte events such as Festival in the Park, Queen's Feast and more will mark the 250th anniversary of the city's founding in their own unique ways, and new initiatives will add to Charlotte's commitment to become a friendlier, healthier, more equitable and more accessible city.